Infant amusement device

ABSTRACT

Provided is an infant amusement device to be mounted on a furniture item having a supporting wall, the device including a board-like body configured with a first face configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second face configured in turn with a second stimulating theme, and a handle unit configured for carrying the amusement device and for mounting it on said supporting wall at a plurality of positions exposing the first face or the second face.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a multifunctional amusement devicefor infants. More particularly it is concerned with such a deviceconfigurable between activity center modes and soothing modes.

BACKGROUND

Amusement devices intended to be attached to infant furniture are knowin the art. One example of such activity center is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,973,286 describing a multiple actuation crib toy includes ahousing together with a clamp to secure the housing to a convenientsurface or portion of an infant crib.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure there is provided an infantamusement device comprising a board-like body configured with a firstface configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second faceconfigured in turn with a second stimulating theme, and a handle unitconfigured for carrying the amusement device and for mounting it on awall mounting unit at one of several positions exposing the first faceor the second face.

The infant amusement device according to the present disclosure issuited for use at any one of a plurality of configurations, i.e.detached from the wall mounting unit, e.g. hand held or placed over asurface (such as floor, carpet, mat/mattress, etc.), or articulated tothe wall mounting unit wherein it is manipulable between displaying thefirst face or the second face, and wherein at least one of the firstface and the second face can be displayed also supinely, i.e. can beviewed when the child is supine.

The wall mounting unit is configured for use in conjunction with theinfant amusement device and is configured for attaching to a pluralityof child locations, typically such as any child accommodating unit e.g.crib, bed, playpen and the like, or even a vehicle backrest, howeverconfigured with at least a substantially uprightly extending portion,such as a side wall, onto which the wall mounting unit can bedetachably-attachable mounted.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the wall mounting unit isconfigured with a mounting portion configured for detachably attachingto a supporting wall, and a device articulation portion configured fordetachably attaching thereto a handle unit of an infant amusementdevice; said device articulation portion configured for displayingeither a first face or a second face of the infant amusement device andfor displaying at least one of the first face and the second face at atilted position, said face facing downwards so it can be viewed when achild is supine.

According to an example of the disclosure, there is provided an infantamusement device to be mounted on a furniture item having a supportingwall, the device comprising: a board-like body configured with a firstface configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second faceconfigured in turn with a second stimulating theme, and a handle unitconfigured for carrying the amusement device and for mounting it on saidsupporting wall at a plurality of positions exposing the first face orthe second face.

According to an example of the disclosure, there is provided an infantamusement device comprising: a board-like body configured with a firstface configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second faceconfigured in turn with a second stimulating theme, a handle unitconfigured for carrying the amusement device; and a wall mounting unitconfigured for mounting thereon the handle unit and detachably attachingto a supporting wall of a furniture item; wherein the handle unit isfurther configured for mounting the amusement device on said wallmounting unit at a plurality of positions exposing the first face or thesecond face.

The handle unit can be integral or integrated with the board-like body,or can be detachably attachable thereto.

The handle unit facilitates manual gripping and carrying of the infantamusement device and serves also for articulation to the wall mountingunit.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurationscan be incorporated in the infant amusement device according to thepresent disclosure, either separately or in combinations thereof:

-   -   One or both of the first stimulation theme and the second        stimulation theme can comprise or be associated with an audio        generating unit. The audio generating unit can be common for        both of the first stimulation theme and the second stimulation        theme, or independent;    -   The audio generating unit can comprise one or more pre-recorded        audio themes (e.g. on a chip/printed circuitry or flash memory)        and it can be configured for cooperation with an external audio        source, e.g. an MP3 player (by a suitable communications jack or        transmitted), or it can comprise a memory card slot, etc.;    -   The audio generating unit can be configured in the handle unit;    -   The handle unit can comprise one or more speakers and a power        source, e.g. a battery compartment. There can also be provided a        jack for battery recharging;    -   The power source can be common for the audio generating unit and        for one or more light emitting units associated with one or both        of the stimulating themes;    -   Controls can be provided for adjusting volume and/or light        intensity;    -   An ambient light sensor can be configured for initiating or        terminating a stimulation action (motion, light or sound        associated; independently or in combinations). For example, a        soothing light and or lullaby melody can spontaneously be        activated or terminated, depending on illumination conditions at        the vicinity of the amusement device;    -   A sound/noise sensor can be configured for initiating or        terminating a stimulation action (motion, light or sound        associated; independently or in combinations). For example, a        soothing light and or lullaby melody can spontaneously be        activated or terminated, depending on sound, such as child's        crying;    -   The electronics of the amusement device can be configured for        cooperation with a remote control unit, for initiating or        terminating or controlling intensity of one or more stimulation        actions;    -   A electronics of the amusement device can be configured with a        timer for initiating or terminating one or more stimulation        actions;    -   The first stimulating theme is an activity center theme        configured for active stimulating an infant, i.e. inducing and        encouraging active cooperation of the infant. Such a theme can        include movable articles, noise/light generating articles,        articles requiring minimum level of manipulating coordination.        Typically the activity center theme is associated with exciting        images, pattern and colors, such as an outdoor scenario, etc.;    -   The second stimulating theme is a soother theme configured for        passive stimulating an infant, i.e. for audio and/or visual        stimulation only. Typically the soother theme is associated with        soft and calming images, pattern and colors, such a nigh        scenario, etc.;    -   The infant amusement device is typically light weight and devoid        of pointed corners or elements;    -   The board-like body of the infant amusement device can be        substantially planar;    -   The board-like body can be made of or comprise a material        rendering it rigid though pliable;    -   The board-like body is configured with a rigid though pliable        structural element, the structural element can be made of PP        (Polypropylene);    -   The structural element is be at least partially embedded within        or coated by a comfort layer, such as foamed material, and the        like, rendering it softness. According to a particular example,        the structural element is enveloped by a comfort layer;    -   The board-like body can be configured with an external layer        comprising the first theme and the second theme. The external        layer can be made for example of fabric;    -   The mounting portion of the wall mounting unit can be configured        for mounting on a variety of elements such as a wall portion of        a crib, bed, playpen, vehicle's car rest and the like. The        mounting portion can be configured with different mounting        arrangements including a clamping arrangement, a harness/strap        fitting, rendering it suitable for detachably-attachable        mounting, however a secure way so as to prevent its        unintentional detaching;    -   The clamping arrangement of the mounting portion is configured        for clamping over a top edge or a side edge of a supporting        element such as a wall of a crib, playpen etc.;    -   The device articulation portion of the wall mounting unit can be        configured with an grip unit for snapingly engaging a handle        unit of the infant amusement device;    -   The grip unit can be configured for pivotal displacement, so        that the amusement device can be rotated at least 180° about a        roll axis, and at least 90° about a pitch axis;    -   The device articulation portion can be configured with discrete        angular settings, for arresting the infant amusement device at        intermediate angular positions;    -   The device articulation portion can be configured with an        arresting portion for securing the infant amusement device at a        tilted position (inclined about a pitch axis), thereby rendering        a face of the amusement device visible when a child is at a        supine position;    -   The arresting portion can be a hook arrangement configured for        arresting a respective arresting member configured at the handle        unit of the infant amusement device. The arresting member can be        for example a ring-shaped element, a chain, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosedherein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice,embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant amusement device according tothe disclosure, articulated to a wall mounting unit;

FIG. 2A illustrates the amusement device mounted on an infant's bed atan;

FIG. 2B illustrates the on an infant's bed at an ‘soothing mode’;

FIG. 2C is the same as FIG. 2A, however with the amusement devicemounted on a ‘pack and play’, the device at the ‘activity mode’;

FIG. 2D illustrates the device of FIG. 2C at a supine viewing ‘soothingmode’;

FIG. 3 illustrates the amusement device mounted on an infant's bed and asoothing face thereof facing downwards, the infant at a supine position;

FIG. 4 illustrates the amusement device detached and in use at a freeactivity mode, the infant at a prone position;

FIG. 5 is an enlargement of the handle unit of the infant amusementdevice;

FIG. 6A is a front isometric view of a wall mounting unit configured foruse in conjunction with the amusement device;

FIG. 6B is a left side view of the wall mounting unit of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a rear view of the wall mounting unit of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a front view illustrating the wall mounting unit attached toa side wall of an infant's bed;

FIG. 7B is a rear isometric view of the wall mounting unit of FIG. 7A,attached to another furniture; and

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the amusement device mounted on a‘pack and play’, the device a supine soothing mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is directed to the drawings, illustrating an infant amusementdevice assembly generally designated 20 comprising an infant amusementdevice generally designated 22 and a wall mounting unit generallydesignated 24, to which the infant amusement device 22 is detachablyattachable in various modes of use, as will be discussed herein below.

The infant amusement device 22 comprises a board-like body 28 configuredwith a first face 32 configured in turn with a first stimulating theme,and a second face 34 configured in turn with a second stimulating theme.The body 28 is further configured with an integrated handle unitgenerally designated 38.

The body 28 is substantially planar/flat and comprises a rigid thoughpliable structural element 42 (partially exposed in FIG. 1) e.g. made ofPP (Polypropylene). The structural element 42 is fully coated with acomfort layer, such as foamed material 44 rendering it softness (FIG.1), wherein the structural element 42 and comfort layer 44 are fullyenveloped by an external layer made for example of fabric 46, saidfabric carrying a different theme on each face of the device, as will bediscussed hereinafter.

The first face 32 is configured with a so-called ‘activity theme’ and isthus fitted with a stimulating pattern such as farm images, outdoorimages and the like (this can best be seen in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 4 and 8),with several stimulating elements such as a hemisphere 50 comprisingseveral beads, a cellophane-like noise inducing leaf-like elements 52, amoving beetle 54, a window element 56 pivotally displaceable (indicatedby arrow a) so that a different image is exposed through a windowportion 58 at each angular position, etc.

The second face 34 is configured with a so-called ‘soother theme’ and isthus fitted with a stimulating pattern such as sky images (this can bestbe seen in FIGS. 2B, 2D, 3 and 5), with several stimulating elementssuch as a 3D star 60 and a moon 62.

The handle unit 38 is fixedly attached (e.g. by fasteners 68; FIG. 5) tothe planar board portion of the device, and is configured for carryingthe amusement device 22 and for mounting it on the wall mounting unit 24at one of several positions exposing as will hereinafter be described.

The handle unit 38 comprises a carrying and mounting handle portion 70and a pivotal ring 72 to be used at the inclined supine position (FIGS.2D, 3 and 8). The ring 72 is configured for engagement with acorresponding hook portion 76 of the wall mounting unit 24, such thatthe amusement device 22 can be retained inclined with the soothing face34 facing downwards at an infant laying at a supine position. As noted,when the amusement device 22 is at its substantially vertically disposedposition, the ring 72 is received within a corresponding grooveconfigured at the handle unit 38.

The hook portion 76 is fitted with a securing hook closure 76′ cannormally be disposed at a closed position (FIGS. 6A and 6B), in which itsecures the pivotal ring 72 when is fitted on the hook portion 76, as inFIG. 8. The hook closure 76′ can be displaced to an open position (notshown) as indicated by an arrow b in FIG. 6B, so as to allow the pivotalring 72 to be released from the hook 76.

The hook closure 76′ can be, for example, a spring loaded element or canbe closed or fastened with a snap or with other closing arrangement.

The handle unit 38 further comprises, at a back face thereof, a batterycompartment 80 (FIG. 5) normally secured by several screws. The handleunit can be provided with a jack for battery recharging (not shown). Thehandle further comprises a volume control 84 and a mode control 86, sothat the amusement device 22 can be used at several positions asdiscussed below.

In the present example, the second face 34 comprises a soft lightilluminator received within the star element 60 and the moon element 62.The light will turn on upon displacing the control 86 to a so-called‘night position’ (designated NP in FIG. 5). Alternatively, there can beconfigured a light sensor (not shown) embedded for example in the handleunit 38, wherein at low ambient light condition the illuminatingelements will light. This however can be avoided by a manual overrideswitch. According to a particular example, several portions of at leastthe second face of the device are configured for glowing at darkness.Such a sensor can also induce soothing sounds.

Furthermore, the handle portion 38 is configured with an audio system(speaker 90 noticeable at a front face of handle 38, associated with thefirst face 32). The audio system comprises several pre-recorded audiothemes (e.g. on a chip/printed circuitry or flash memory) and it can beconfigured for cooperation with an external audio source, e.g. an MP3player (by a suitable communications jack or transmitted thereto e.g. byBluetooth, etc.; not shown), or it can comprise a memory card slot (alsonot shown), etc. The sound can be lullaby melodies or other soft music,or sounds associated with the theme of the first, activity face 32 ofthe amusement device 22, e.g. sounds of animals, nursery rhymes, etc.

The electronic of the device can be configured with several sensors andcontrols. For example, volume loudness and ON/OFF switch 84 (FIG. 5).There can also be provided a sound/noise sensor for initiating orterminating a stimulation action (motion, light or sound associated;independently or in combinations). For example, a soothing light and orlullaby melody can spontaneously be activated or terminated, dependingon sound, such as child's crying. There can further be provided a remotecontrol unit (not shown), for initiating or terminating or controllingintensity of one or more stimulation actions. Likewise, the electronicsof the amusement device can be configured with a timer for initiating orterminating one or more stimulation actions.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, reference is made to the wall mountingunit generally designated 24. At the outset, it is appreciated that thewall mounting unit can be attached to a variety of child locations, suchas any child accommodating unit e.g. crib, bed, playpen and the like, oreven a vehicle backrest (for amusing a child seated behind it, etc.).

The wall mounting unit 24 comprises at a front face thereof a handlegrip 90 configured for snapingly attaching thereto the handle portion 70of the handle unit 38, said handle grip 90 configured for rotating atleast 180° as indicated by arrowed line 92 in FIG. 6A. The handle grip90 is pivotally attached to the body of the wall mounting unit 24,however with some degree of freedom. According to one particularexample, the handle grip 90 can be configured with discrete angularsettings, for arresting the infant amusement device 22 at intermediateangular positions.

The wall mounting unit 24 further comprises a clip-like top edge mount96, having a circular cross-section and configured for clampingengagement over a rounded top edge 98 of a bed/crib/playpen and the likeas shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D and 8 (or turned at 90° for mounting on apost). Elasticity and clamping force can be regulated by resilience ofthe material and respective fasteners (not shown).

When required to attach the infant amusement device assembly 20 to a bedand the like (FIGS. 2A, 2B and 7A), a resting edge 100 of the wallmounting unit 24 is placed over a respective bar or edge 102 of the bed(best seen in FIG. 7B), and is securely fastened by using lengthadjustable straps 104 as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

The pivotal articulation of the handle portion 70 with the handle grip90, which by itself is pivotal, facilitates the amusement device forrotation at least 180° about a roll axis, and at least 90° about a pitchaxis.

It is thus appreciated that the infant amusement device can be used inseveral fashions:

An activity mode (FIGS. 2A and 2C), exposing the first face 32 to theinfant, at a substantially upright position;

-   -   A free position (FIG. 4), detached from the wall mounting unit        and exposing either face to the infant, in a carry along        position (in this position the first face 32 is facing the        infant);    -   A soothing position (FIG. 2B), exposing the second face 34 to        the infant, at a substantially upright position; and    -   A supine soothing position (FIGS. 2D, 3 and 8), exposing the        second face 34 to the infant, at an inclined position above the        surface bearing the infant, i.e. easily viewable when the infant        is supine.

1. An infant amusement device, comprising: a board-like body configuredwith a first face configured in turn with a first stimulating theme anda second face configured in turn with a second stimulating theme; ahandle unit configured for carrying the amusement device; and a wallmounting unit configured for mounting thereon the handle unit anddetachably attaching to a supporting wall of a furniture item, whereinthe handle unit is further configured for mounting the amusement deviceon said wall mounting unit at a plurality of positions exposing thefirst face or the second face.
 2. The infant amusement device of claim1, wherein the wall mounting unit is configured with a mounting portionconfigured for detachably attaching to said supporting wall, and adevice articulation portion configured for detachably attaching theretothe handle unit of the infant amusement device.
 3. The infant amusementdevice of claim 2, wherein the device articulation portion isconvertible between at least two positions so as to display either thefirst face or the second face of the infant amusement device.
 4. Theinfant amusement device of claim 3, wherein the device articulationportion is convertible between said positions by rotating about one ormore axes.
 5. The infant amusement device of claim 3, wherein the devicearticulation portion has a tilted position, so that said first face orsaid second face faces downwards so it can be viewed when a child issupine.
 6. The infant amusement device of claim 1, wherein the handleunit facilitates manual gripping and carrying of the infant amusementdevice.
 7. The infant amusement device of claim 2, wherein the mountingportion of the wall mounting unit comprises a mounting arrangementallowing said detachable attachment thereof to the supporting wall,while preventing its unintentional detaching.
 8. The infant amusementdevice of claim 7, wherein the mounting arrangement is a clampingarrangement.
 9. The infant amusement device of claim 2, wherein thedevice articulation portion is configured with an grip unit forsnappingly engaging the handle unit of the infant amusement device. 10.The infant amusement device of claim 9, wherein the grip unit isconfigured for pivotal displacement, so that the infant amusement devicecan be rotated at least 180° about a roll axis, and at least 90° about apitch axis.
 11. The infant amusement device of claim 2, wherein thedevice articulation portion is configured with discrete angularsettings, for arresting the infant amusement device at intermediateangular positions.
 12. The infant amusement device of claim 2, whereinthe device articulation portion is configured with an arresting portionfor securing the infant amusement device at a tilted position, therebyrendering a face of the amusement device visible when a child is at asupine position.
 13. The infant amusement device of claim 12, whereinthe arresting portion is a hook arrangement configured for arresting arespective arresting member configured at the handle unit of the infantamusement device.
 14. The infant amusement device of claim 1, whereinone or both of the first stimulation theme and the second stimulationtheme comprise or are associated with an audio generating unit.
 15. Theinfant amusement device of claim 14, wherein the audio generating unitis common for both of the first stimulation theme and the secondstimulation theme, or independent therefrom.
 16. The infant amusementdevice of claim 15, wherein the audio generating unit is fitted withinthe handle unit.
 17. The infant amusement device of claim 1, wherein thehandle unit comprises a power source.
 18. The infant amusement device ofclaim 1, wherein the handle unit is integral or integrated with theboard-like body.
 19. An infant amusement device to be mounted on afurniture item having a supporting wall, the device comprising: aboard-like body configured with a first face configured in turn with afirst stimulating theme and a second face configured in turn with asecond stimulating theme; and a handle unit configured for carrying theamusement device and for mounting it on said supporting wall at aplurality of positions exposing the first face or the second face.
 20. Awall mounting unit for use in conjunction with the infant amusementdevice of claim 19, configured for detachably attaching to thesupporting wall, comprising: a mounting portion configured fordetachably attaching to the supporting wall; and a device articulationportion configured for detachably attaching to the handle unit, whereinsaid device articulation portion being convertible between at least twopositions so as to display either the first face or the second face ofthe infant amusement device.